The legislative branch of the European Union has called for Ukraine to take its first steps toward joining the EU as the country pushes back Russia.
The European Parliament adopted a resolution on Tuesday that recommends giving Ukraine the status of EU candidate. This recommendation comes after an emotional speech given by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over a video call to the European Parliament.
“We’re making history. All of us. Ukrainians! The European Parliament has called for Ukraine to be a candidate for EU membership,” tweeted Andriy Yermak, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, on Tuesday.
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“We are fighting for our freedom, for our rights, and for our survival. And we also fight to be equal members of Europe. With us in it, the EU will be stronger. Please, prove that you are together with us. Then life will conquer death,” Zelensky told the European Parliament as he sought both help from the EU and the acceptance of his nation into the European organization. The European Parliament immediately responded by offering Zelensky a standing ovation.
Ukraine will join five other countries pursuing entry into the EU, including Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Turkey. While the candidate status is a significant step for Ukraine, it will still take several years for the nation to be accepted into the EU.
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The Ukrainian president asked the EU to fast-track Ukraine’s membership on Monday, arguing that it has proven its worth in this conflict. While the European Commission’s president did not seem eager to expedite the process on Sunday, nine members of the EU called for the EU to begin the process of granting Ukraine membership immediately.
